Devil dogs get dirty at American Supercamp Riding School

Photo By Cpl. Christopher Johns | Danny Walker, owner and lead instructor with the American Supercamp Riding School, demonstrates proper turning techniques during a motorcycle riding course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., April 1-2. The course offered Marines and Sailors the chance to feel what it’s like to lose control of their bike in a safe environment and then instructors try to retrain their reactions, making them safer riders.
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, UNITED STATES

04.01.2014

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. - Marines with Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 38 hosted the American Supercamp Riding School course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., April 1-2.

The traveling dirt bike school helped train Marines and Sailors with MACG-38 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 11 through teaching better riding habits, some of which could be lifesaving.

“We allow all motorcyclists the opportunity to feel what it’s like to lose control of their bike in a safe environment and with a bike that we supply and maintain ourselves so they don’t ruin theirs,” said Danny Walker, owner and lead instructor with the American Supercamp. “Once they feel what that’s like, we retrain their reactions and help them build better habits. This is a simulator … for panic breaking - like when a car cuts you off or an animal runs in front of you.”

“We need to know our machines and the capabilities of what we ride,” said Staff Sgt. Randall Workman, cryogenics chief with MALS-11. “As Marines, we train to fight, and we train like we fight; so why not train to ride the same way?”

Even as an experienced rider, Workman expressed satisfaction with the course and the trainers who made the day interesting and informative.

“Riding isn’t just a means of getting to work every day, it’s a passion and a way of life just like the Marine Corps,” said Workman. “For Marines to be able to come out here and learn from people who love riding, who love teaching others about their passion - everything is just going to bleed off onto them that much easier.”

Riders of all skill levels attended the course and even those with years of experience are learning a great deal, some of which could save lives.

“My commute to work is only eight miles, and it feels like I have a close call with a car almost every day,” said Sgt. James Jones, squadron support division noncommissioned officer in charge with MALS-11. “So learning more about how to ride defensively and what to do should something like that occur could save a whole bunch of lives. I learned a lot about myself as a rider with this course; it’s a humbling experience. Anyone, no matter their experience level, could benefit from this course.”